As previously mentioned by sports.frthe extraordinary performance of Tadej Pogačar in 2024 have sparked an intense debate in the world of cycling, with questions that the director of Tour de France, Christian Prudhommeconsiders understandable in light of the complex past of the sport.
Training Camp Spain Costa Blanca
from 15 to 22 February
An unmissable experience for cycling enthusiasts
Find out more
The phenomenal Slovenian champion of UAE Team Emirates he literally dominated the cycling season, collecting 25 victories. Among these, prestigious triumphs such as the Tour de Franceil Tour of Italythe World Championships, the classic Liège-Bastogne-Liège and the Tour of Lombardyfeats that consecrated him as the most successful runner of the year.
It was above all the style of his victories that catalyzed the attention of experts and enthusiasts: long solitary escapes that often reduced his opponents to the role of simple extras. These performances brought back memories of the discussed performances of Jonas Vingegaard of the year before the Tour, which had already raised similar questions.
In a recent interview given to Eurosport, Prudhomme did not hesitate to address the topic: “The questions surrounding the yellow shirt of the Tour are not illegitimate at all. We cannot be surprised that these questions continue to emerge, considering the recent history of our sport.”
The director of the Grande Boucle also highlighted how the phenomenon is not exclusive to cycling: “The issue can be annoying mainly because it seems to focus more on cycling than on other sports. In reality, bad behavior exists in all areas, well beyond the confines of professional sport.”
The statements of Prudhomme at the Dépêche du Midi at the beginning of autumn (“Given the recent history of cycling, the question is not illegitimate, even if I don’t have a definitive answer”) were further explored in the most recent interview, demonstrating how the theme remains central in the cycling debate.
The director then addressed the complexity of the current situation in modern cycling: “The problem is even more complex because we often find ourselves discussing practices that are not formally prohibited. We are not necessarily talking about direct violations of the regulations, but about a gray area that makes the debate even more complex and delicate.”
The performance of Cake maker in 2024, characterized by long-range attacks and solo victories, recalled the great feats of the past, but also inevitably fueled discussions about the nature of these extraordinary performances. The Slovenian champion continued to impress the cycling world with his ability to dominate both one-day races and Grand Tours.
The debate raised by Prudhomme reflects a broader concern in the world of cycling: how to balance appreciation for exceptional performances with the need to keep a watchful eye on the credibility of the sport, considering the lessons learned from the past.
By the editorial staff of Inbici News24
Copyright © Reproduction Reserved Inbici Media Group
